It all began when executive producer Jason Lee offered me a place on a film which I will always be thankful for. I remember the night before. I was so stressed I was about to break down and not go anywhere. I am happy I didn’t, as I would have lost so much. I had not yet to learn what to expect and how it’s going to go. Day one on set of Up and Down was a whirlwind of introductions and learning the ropes. The first person I met was the film’s writer and director Richard Elson. After him, I started to get to know the rest of the cast and crew. Of course, initially, I mistakenly called people by different names. My role was primarily focused on catering, ensuring everyone’s dietary needs were met, and people had enough water and snacks. Despite the stress, it was an enlightening day. Day two saw me settling into my role. I was less anxious and more involved in the production process, from moving equipment to handling dogs and ensuring the location was protected. I was also holding down Renford (one of the actors) as we were shooting scenes where he leans out of the window. The support and encouragement from the team boosted my confidence and self-esteem which lowered my stress levels and helped with my negative thoughts about doing something wrong. The final day was the most hectic but also the most rewarding. With some crew members needing to leave early, the pressure was on. One memorable scene involved a sudden rain shower on a bed which we only had one chance at getting right. Despite the chaos, the atmosphere remained positive and supportive. I was chosen as a stand-by which I took as a huge honour. This experience on Up and Down was invaluable. I learned so much, met incredible people, and gained a newfound respect for the hard work that goes into film production. It was a testament to the power of teamwork and the magic of cinema. The crew was very focused and keen on mindfulness and the wellbeing of the whole team, but also on being safe and feeling safe.

PS. A word of advice for anyone stepping on a film set for the first time – don’t touch the sound equipment!